The older I get, the more bands I attempt to scratch off my “see live bucket list.” This has been a good year concert-wise for me. I checked quite a few bands off my list including the Green Day, Lady Gaga, Soundgarden, Scorpions, Michael Schenker Group, Slash, ZZ Top, Sevendust and more.

This year, I hope to add some very specific bands to my “I’ve seen ‘em live” list. Those bands include Europe, Saigon Kick (they reunited), Damn Yankees (it could happen), Metallica and Iron Maiden. On the latter two, the bands have been touring but they didn’t come around me and the dates didn’t line up for me to travel.

Now, let’s say I could pick just one from the list above to see live. If that’s the case, I choose Europe. I actually hope Europe plays M3 next summer. I’ve made a conscious decision to not do as many festivals next summer because, well, it’s expensive and this summer has been nuts.

I wish Europe would come to America for at least a short run. A European fest is definitely on my list of things to do, but that won’t be happening for quite some time (see reason #1 above: expensive).

Reader Comments (9)

I've seen Europe twice in recent years - they are such a good live band! I'm more into the new material and I'm glad they play plenty of newer songs, even that most of the audience want to hear the old 'classics'.

I just wish they would stop playing 'The Final Countdown' because I really can't stand that song anymore. ;D

No...they can't stop playing "Final Countdown" until I see them live. lol!!!!!

This year was a fortunate one for the brazilian headbangers...I saw this year Mettalica, Guns n' Roses, Sebastian Bach, Aerosmith, Manowar and Eric Martin... and I bought tickets to see Bon Jovi, Crashdiet, Twisted Sister and.......EUROPE....they will play Brazil for the first time ever next november.....

Seriously, "The Final Countdown" is one of THE most annoying songs ever written, yet I would be thoroughly amused to see them perform it live.

I'm actually a sucker for "Carrie" and "Rock The Night" and Norum is a monster guitarist. I think it was actually Kenny O or Gary who told me to pick up his album and man, that was a good tip! He's a monster!

I saw Europe in a tiny club on the beach in San Diego in 2005. They had just reunited and released an amazing album called Start From The Dark. This was a small place with a few hundred people, but they gave a full show that was amazing. Joey Tempest can still sing like an angel - in fact they have put out 3 studio albums and a few live albums in the past 5 years and you should check them all out. John Norum always was one of the best guitarists, and he shines live, even on a song like Final Countdown. You probably never even noticed his guitar playing on that single, but live he is more prominent and the song is actually better.If you get a chance to see Europe, do it! I am really hoping they play M3 and/or ShipRocked.

Allyson, you mention that you hope that Europe plays the M3 Festival. Do you have some inside knowledge that they might? If so please share. Even if by personal email. My wife and I have raised five 80's metal headbangers and 5 out of the 7 of us are dying to finally see Europe play live and in person.

John Norum is a great guitar player, but most of what this band has put out is sackless shite, although maybe their new stuff is better, but I haven't heard any of it - just hated what they did in the 80s. BTW, if you get a chance to see Damn Yankees, you won't be disappointed. I caught them twice and they put on a helluva show. Gotta love Ted - I wonder if he's still shooting Saddam with his bow at every show. Since we're finally rid of that bastard, maybe he could move on to someone like Ahmandinejad or Hugo Chavez. I do know that given the current political climate this is a great time to break out a song like Don't Tread on Me.